Cancer patients often face many complications that lead to nutritional issues, either due to the disease itself or side effects from treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation), including:
Vomiting:
If the child is experiencing vomiting, encourage them to drink plenty of fluids as much as possible to avoid dehydration. The child should sit up and start sipping small amounts slowly and at spaced intervals, preferably using calorie-rich drinks like fresh juices. Cold drinks are usually more tolerable for the child than hot ones.
When the vomiting stops, encourage the child to eat light, easily digestible foods, such as clear liquids, salty crackers, breadcrumbs, or plain toast.
Divide meals into small, consecutive, simple, and easily digestible portions.
Avoid serving strongly scented foods.
Do not serve food that is too hot.
Stay away from spicy foods (like chili and black pepper).
Avoid greasy, heavy, or fried foods, as well as sugary, rich foods like cream cakes.
When eating or drinking, the child should sit upright at a 90-degree angle and should not lie down or sleep for an hour after eating.